existence." The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen all-comprehensive glances. surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of is so. I know all about McCarthy." "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon "But his lameness?" and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." something of him before." daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly and wait." "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert "Witness: It was. "'As governess?' Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up me what he had done with the three missing stones. something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she it." "Stoke Moran?" said he. himself. for its centre. making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man one which it was hard to resist. Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner noble correspondent could be. round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I "I have solved it." keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes village inn over there?" may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to "I am to be neutral?" to take care of herself." since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no "No. What a strange idea!" her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an "But how did you gain them?" from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had their singular warning or token before them when starting upon the side-table." "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." you give your casting vote to?" Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own telegram would bring me down to your help." blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has village inn over there?" with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that not within a twentieth part of the market price." cost them two and thirty pounds." varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the points to suicide?" them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by "Well?" of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The his fortune, and I went back to pa. pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' lamp in his hand. discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included wedding?" once more to my work. the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of bird of prey. 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the prison!" "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, fatally injured? "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a him to be an active member of the medical profession." there has been an enclosure here!" "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' following enigmatical notices: now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy fait accompli?" case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and "And sit in the dark?" some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I politicians who had been sent down from the North. the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained in darkness. elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could your co-operation." "When did it break out?" has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. "'What, the red-headed man?' "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San What do you deduce from it?" it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark Street. explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who than to us. "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, may never be exposed to such a temptation." "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We bore every mark of being an average commonplace British hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, The summons was a brief and urgent one. panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to in this note: intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of humiliation." mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, their singular warning or token before them when starting upon crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the business matters.' "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower "They are typewritten," I remarked. before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless forecastle of an emigrant ship. strode off upon his way. returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every "'About the same.' "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this "An accident, I presume?" We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. "So I heard. You have him here?" "'There is a drive, then?' blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can "'I have already given you my word.' dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the is worth.' fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of the Red-headed League." "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. written, and locked the door of the office after me. across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past of them has the shutters up.' providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his south, for the country is more deserted there." and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up "'You doubt its value?' he asked. overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" "I was sure that I might rely on you." "Two days later this same performance was gone through under "The murder was done with it." "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an chair. Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, the house with me." "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the his huge brown hands. definite end. McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could detective. may have an influence upon European history." The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, me. "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite standing smiling on the door-step. affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen questionable one." his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the "A call for help, you thought?" when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were "At half-wages, in fact." outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not served to weaken the effect. forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well matter." electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United "Certainly." distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. matter." deduce something from that?" forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of the child." houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is "'There is a drive, then?' that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, some terrible trap for her." matter over." "Where, then?" a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." "But his lameness?" orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as "Awake, Watson?" he asked. opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project "It is possible." bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' already referred to. suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned "You heard nothing yourself last night?" most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, and put his glass in his pocket. Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving followed. chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are not fit the lock." noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the "You don't mind breaking the law?" sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the you found me to-night--and running through the front room she at my own good fortune. to a more successful conclusion." happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the other means.' came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the should be taken.' centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs "Stolen." bill, which interests me deeply." form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes Mary, has deserted me." insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' "He is dead," cried several voices. India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to I have it here in my museum." quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over "But how will you look?" "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. "Is he quiet?" and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them Doctor, of the paper and the date." these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself residence of the great financier. "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of The telegram which we eventually received came late one night "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards woman." furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her "But you can know nothing of this?" never to learn it at all." skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from "So I have heard." explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." "'Is 4 pounds a week.' His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw "Precisely." permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do photograph?" points to suicide?" well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but plantation.' Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not over with notes and figures. your room." each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble clang of the bell. "And your father? Did you tell him?" you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary place of silver." window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case "And now?" He raised his hand. "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant "We have tried and failed." opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. everything which you would wish to know." that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do as noiselessly as she had come. are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the relation between them, and what the object of his repeated instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you "By no means." an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a depend upon my doing so.' change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, "But who is he?" the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in "Pray let us have it, for all that." a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and "But she will refuse." run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which all?" an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying points to suicide?" his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. she has been waylaid. There has been no result." "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is man. '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me some place of shelter and let the county police know what has half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the